GENTRY — Gentry senior Marly Pierce stands by a table with photos of her accomplishments during her years as a student in Gentry High School. She was honored Thursday with a reception at the high school on the occasion of qualifying for the 13-member cheerleading squad at the University of Arkansas - Ft. Smith.

She will be leading cheers at the school's basketball and volleyball games next year. She plans to major in dental hygiene at the four-year college. Pierce was the captain of the Gentry Cheerleading squad this year and has earned a variety of awards and honors, including leading her team to state runner-up this year.

Qualifying for a position on a college cheerleading squad is a rare thing for incoming freshmen. Pierce is the fourth Gentry cheerleader to do it since 1992, said Gentry cheer coach Joni Wilson.

Other honors for Gentry seniors include the signing of Chelsea Whitten on a basketball scholarship to Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. Brittany Green signed to play basketball at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan. Caleb Ramsey signed to attend and play football for Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia.

School News, Pages 6 on 05/12/2010